Top Flite TOPA0410 - Manual (Page 54)

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Note: Because of the large engines that are used on giant
airplanes and the difference in their weights, it is not
uncommon to add 1 lbs to 3 lbs of weight to the nose of
the models.
❏ 2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of
the model installed (ready to fly) and an empty fuel tank,
hold the model upside down with the stabilizer level. The
Great Planes CG Machine
™ balancer works great for
balancing the model.
❏ 3. Set the model on the balancer at the balance point. If
the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and you must add
weight* to the nose to balance the model. If the nose
drops, it is “nose heavy” and you must add weight to the
tail to balance the model. (If possible, first attempt to
balance the model by changing the position of the
receiver battery. If you are unable to obtain good balance
by doing so, then it will be necessary to add weight to the
nose or tail to achieve the proper balance point.)
Note: Nose weight may be easily installed by using a
“spinner weight” or attaching Great Planes (GPMQ4485)
“stick-on” lead weights to the firewall. To securely attach
the weights to the firewall, first determine the amount of
weight required to balance the model. Then, use epoxy to
glue the weights stacked together. Drill a clearance hole
through the stack of weights, apply epoxy to the bottom
weight and attach the stack to the firewall with a sheet
metal screw. Tail weight may be added by using “stick-on”
lead weights. Later, if the balance is O.K., you can glue
the weights inside the retractable tail wheel opening.
PREFLIGHT
At this time check all connections including servo horn
screws, clevises, servo cords and extensions. Make
sure you have installed the nylon retainer on the Screw-
Lock Pushrod Connector and the silicone retainers on
all the clevises.
CHARGE THE BATTERIES
Follow the battery charging procedures in your radio
instruction manual. You should always charge your
transmitter and receiver batteries the night before you
go flying and at other times as recommended by the radio
manufacturer.
BALANCE THE PROPELLER
Carefully balance your propellers before flying. An
unbalanced prop is the single most significant cause of
vibration. Not only may engine mounting screws vibrate
out, possibly with disastrous effect, but vibration may also
damage your radio receiver and battery. Vibration may
cause your fuel to foam, which will, in turn, cause your
engine to run lean or quit.
We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
(TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes
Fingertip Balancer (GPMQ5000) in our flight box.
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY
Since you have chosen the Giant Corsair, we assume that
you are an experienced modeler. Therefore, you should
already know about AMA chartered flying fields and other
safe places to fly. If for some reason you are a relatively
inexperienced modeler and have not been informed, we
strongly suggest that the best place to fly is an AMA
chartered club field. Ask the AMA or your local hobby
shop dealer if there is a club in your area and join. Club
fields are set up for R/C flying and that makes your outing
safer and more enjoyable. The AMA address and
telephone number is in the front of this manual. If a club
and flying site are not available, find a large, grassy area
at least 6 miles away from houses, buildings and streets
and any other R/C radio operation like R/C boats and R/C
cars. A schoolyard may look inviting but is too close to
people, power lines and possible radio interference.
GROUND CHECK THE MODEL
Inspect your radio installation and confirm that all the
control surfaces respond correctly to the transmitter
inputs. The engine operation must also be checked by
confirming that the engine idles reliably, transitions
smoothly and rapidly to full power and maintains full
power, indefinitely. The engine must be “broken-in” on the
ground by running it for at least two tanks of fuel. Follow
the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for break-in.
Make sure all screws remain tight, that the hinges are
secure and that the prop is on tight.
RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO
Whenever you go to the flying field, check the operational
range of the radio before the first flight of the day. First,
make sure no one else is on your frequency (channel). With
your transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100
feet away from the model and still have control. While you
work the controls, have a helper stand by your model and
tell you what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat this
test with the engine running at various speeds with a
helper holding the model. If the control surfaces are not
always responding correctly, do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first. Look for loose servo connections or
corrosion, loose bolts that may cause vibration, a defective
on/off switch, low battery voltage or a defective receiver
battery, a damaged receiver antenna, or a receiver crystal
that may have been damaged from a previous crash.